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"Makinde, in whose domain the near-tragedy played out, suddenly had a lot to say. . . "On a recent visit to his ally, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, he insinuated that his decision to run for president somehow triggered the Oriire kidnapping… "Two days ago, at an event to receive the freed abductees, he called for the United Nations and international human rights organisations to probe the entire abduction. The call itself is embarrassing, as it exposes the governor's ignorance... "Whether the governor truly believes that the abductions were contrived to do him mischief is hard to tell… "Even the governor knows that the bid is the prime example of delusions of grandeur. . . It's hard to know what Makinde hoped to achieve with his comments on the abductions. Suffice it to say that rather than put those he accuses in a bad light, they actually diminish him." Read The Nation's columnist Festus Eriye on… https://thenationonlineng.net/nigerias-hostage-politics/
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday approved major changes in the leadership of the Armed Forces, appointing new Service Chiefs in a decisive move aimed at strengthening national security architecture. According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, the President named former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Here are the new Service Chiefs 1. Chief of Defence Staff: Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede 2. Chief of Army Staff: Major-General W. Shaibu 3. Chief of Air Staff: Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke 4. Chief of Naval Staff: Rear Admiral I. Abbas 5. Chief of Defence Intelligence: Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye (retains position) https://thenationonlineng.net/full-list-newly-appointed-service-chiefs/
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved major changes in the leadership of the Armed Forces, appointing new Service Chiefs in a decisive move aimed at strengthening national security architecture. According to a statement on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, the President named former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu has been appointed Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke takes over as Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position. All appointments, the statement said, take immediate effect. President Tinubu, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, and other retired Service Chiefs for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership” during their tenure. He charged the newly appointed military heads to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating “enhanced professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship” in the discharge of their duties. The shake-up in the military hierarchy comes as part of ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to reposition the security sector, improve coordination among the services, and sustain momentum in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges across the country. https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-tinubu-replaces-service-chiefs-names-gen-oluyede-cds/
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A Federal High Court in Abuja has found suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt and fined her N5million to be paid to the coffers of the Federal Government.https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-court-finds-natasha-guilty-of-contempt-slams-n5m-fine/
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Nigeria has been ranked third in the list of African countries with the most powerful military in the 2025 Global Military Strength Index, published by Global Firepower.https://thenationonlineng.net/full-list-nigeria-ranks-3rd-in-africas-military-strength-index-2025/
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By Samuel Oamen United States President Donald Trump on Sunday announced the bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites, marking a dramatic military escalation that effectively signaled Washington's entry into Israel’s war against Iran. “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. In a televised address, he described the strikes as a “spectacular military success.” The U.S. intervention has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, reviving memories of the devastation in Iraq following the 2003 invasion. Israel’s initial strikes on June 13 targeted Iran’s key nuclear infrastructure and top military commanders, killing over 400 people. Tehran’s retaliatory attacks have so far left at least 24 dead in Israel. While Iran’s nuclear program appears significantly degraded, global attention now shifts back to the nations that already possess nuclear weapons—countries whose arsenals shape the world’s balance of power. As of 2025, nine countries officially or unofficially possess nuclear weapons, each with distinct strategic aims and geopolitical influence: Here are Nine countries that own the most nuclear weapons globally 1. Russia (~5,889) 2. United States (~5,244) 3. China (~500+) 4. France (~290) 5. United Kingdom (~225) 6. Pakistan (~170) 7. India (~164) 8. Israel (~90) 9. North Korea (~30–50) https://thenationonlineng.net/nine-countries-with-the-most-nuclear-weapons/
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By Emmanuel Oladesu The emergency rule declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the crisis-ridden Rivers State has sparked hot debate about its conceptual meaning, elements, scope and limitations under the constitution. For partisan reasons, the decision has generated emotion, particularly among interested parties who delude themselves into thinking that emergency rule does not entail the suspension of a legitimate government at the state level. Their jaundiced argument is that when a state of emergency was declared by former President Goodluck Jonathan in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states to tackle the growing insurgency, the democratic institutions - the Executive and Houses of Assembly- were not suspended. The critics have uncritically confused a state of emergency declared to salvage an ailing sector with the declaration of an emergency rule in a sub-national unit of the federation about to be plunged into violence by warring politicians. While they cleverly highlight the limited similarities between the two forms of critical intervention, they are eager to de-emphasise the glaring differences. Both instances - a state of emergency declared in a troubled sector and comprehensive emergency rule - are targetted at problem solving, but in varying degrees. Generally, a state of emergency is perceived as "a special legal regime designed for extraordinary circumstances, which enables the government to act in ways that it could not under the ordinary legal framework." It is a situation in which a government is empowered to put through policies that it would normally not be permitted to do, for the safety and protection of its citizens. A government can declare such a state of emergency before, during, or after a natural disaster, civil unrest, armed conflict, medical pandemic or epidemic or other bio-security risk. However, while a state of emergency can be declared by the president in sectors like education, health, agriculture and security, such a state of emergency can be accomplished through an Executive Order or mere presidential pronouncement. In this circumstance, the President is not mandated or required by the constitution to make a recourse to the National Assembly for approval or consent. Thus, when former President Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the three states, his goal was to arrest the grave security situation by deploying more troops and strengthening them to tackle bandits who were making life difficult for residents and assaulting national sovereignty. The governors had raised the alarm that many local governments were occupied by members of Boko Haram sect, who were disrupting socio-economic activities. There was no protracted political crisis in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe when those actions were taken by the president. The actions were not directed against the legitimate governments and democratic institutiond in the three states. In fact, the three governors invited the president for urgent assistance, because as camouflage chief security officers of the troubled states, they lacked power over the security agencies - the police, Army, Navy and Air force. Apart from the president, the governor of a state can declare a state of emergency in any sector or in any local government when he believes a disaster has occurred or may be imminent, and the problem will be severe enough to require state aid to supplement local resources in preventing or alleviating damages, loss, hardship or suffering. It means that when a local state of emergency is declared, decision-makers believe, following accurate assessment, that the emergency situation exists beyond the response or recovery capabilities of the local jurisdiction. The enactment of such a directive will enable the state authorities to initiate local emergency preparedness and response actions. Emergency rule is a different ball game. Only the President can invoke the power under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. That was what President Tinubu had done to salvage Rivers. Parliamentary approval is required. There are legal frameworks to follow and timeframe, usually an initial period of six months. If there is justification for extension, the whole process would have to be repeated. The situations in the old Western Region, Plateau, Ekiti and Rivers state where emergency rule were declared followed the same pattern. In the Western Region, two Action Group (AG) leaders - Ladoke Akintola and Dauda Adegbenro - laid claims to being Premier. There was commotion in the House of Assembly. The peace of the region was threatened. To prevent the breakdown of law and order, Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa declared an emergency rule in the West and appointed his Health Minister, Dr. Koye Majekodunmi, as administrator for six months. He obtained approval from the National Parliament. In Plateau, there was breakdown of law and oder, following the escalation of ethnic and religious tension that engulfed the state. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who accused the former governor, Joshua Dariye, of taking sides in the conflicts, suspended him and the House of Assembly after declaring an emergency rule. Former Chief of Army Staff, Major General Chris Alli was appointed administrator for six months. He later informed the National Assembly for approval In Ekiti, after former Governor Ayodele Fayose was impeached in a controversial manner by the House of Assembly, three people- Fayose, his deputy, Mrs. Biodun Olujimi, and Speaker Friday Aderemi - laid claim to the number one position. There was confusion. To prevent likely breakdown of law and order, Obasanjo declared an emergency rule and appointed Gen. Idowu Olurin as administrator. He got parliamentary approval later. In Rivers, only the Executive arm that was not properly constituted had functioned for almost two years. Governor Siminalayi Fubara never allowed the House of Assembly to perform its duties. When the judgment of the Supreme Court compelled him to obey the constitution, he was reluctant. The state was enveloped in apprehension. Then, unscrupulous elements started attacking oil pipelines. Instructively, the governor, some weeks ago, had told his wild supporters to wait for some inexplicable directives. There is a line of demarcation between some forms of urgent intervention by the Federal Government to halt some emergencies and problems in some critical sectors not triggered by protracted political crises, and an emergency rule characterised by the suspension of elected government and Parliament to prevent escalation of conflicts and imminent slide into avoidable violence and choas. https://thenationonlineng.net/rivers-emergency-rule-vs-borno-yobe-adamawa-in-2013/
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The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olajide Adediran, popularly known as JANDOR, has returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC).https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-former-lagos-pdp-guber-candidate-jandor-returns-to-apc/
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By Samuel Oamen First Bank will, today, Wednesday, March 5, conduct the groundbreaking ceremony for its new green-certified iconic head office building at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos. A statement by Ag. Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Olayinka Ijabiyi, said the 40-storey building project is designed to be the tallest building in Nigeria. “It will be an engineering and environmental delight due to its technologically advanced, eco-friendly and sophisticated construction which would set a new standard for the financial services sector in Africa,” the statement said in part. Here are some things to know about FirstBank’s new state-of-the-art eco-friendly headquarters 1. Tallest Building in Nigeria – The new headquarters, a 40-storey skyscraper, is set to become Nigeria’s tallest building, redefining Lagos’ skyline. 2. Location in Eko Atlantic City – The headquarters will be situated in Eko Atlantic City, a modern city built on reclaimed land, reinforcing First Bank’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. 3. Eco-Friendly and Green-Certified – The building is green-certified, designed to reduce operational costs and environmental impact, making it a model for sustainable banking infrastructure in Africa. 4. Engineering and Technological Marvel – The structure will be technologically advanced, integrating sophisticated construction techniques that set a new benchmark for the financial sector. 5. Symbol of First Bank’s Legacy – With over 130 years of existence, the new head office represents First Bank’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and long-term growth. 6. Driving Economic Growth – First Bank Group CEO, Olusegun Alebiosu, emphasised that the project will contribute to economic development across Africa and create long-term value for stakeholders. 7. High-Profile Groundbreaking Ceremony – The event will be attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senators, Lawmakers, Governors, Federal Ministers, and business leaders, showcasing the national significance of the project. 8. Femi Otedola’s Endorsement – The Chairman of FirstHoldCo, Femi Otedola, highlighted the importance of collaboration in bringing the ambitious vision to life, appreciating customers and stakeholders for their support. 9. Commitment to Customer Satisfaction – The building is designed to enhance operational efficiency, ensuring better service delivery and an improved banking experience for customers. 10. A Transformational Journey – The groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new era for First Bank, reinforcing its leadership in the banking industry and its commitment to sustainability and innovation. https://thenationonlineng.net/10-things-to-know-about-first-banks-new-headquarters/
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Afenifere Chieftain Pa Ayo Adebanjo is dead.https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-afenifere-chieftain-adebanjo-dies-at-96/
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Music super star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has openly declared love for Hon Natasha Osawaru, saying he wants to marry her.https://thenationonlineng.net/five-things-to-know-about-2baba-new-lover-hon-natasha-osawaru/
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Controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, who was sentenced to six months imprisonment, has been released. He regained freedom from the Kirikiri Correctional Centre on Monday around 10am. The Nation reported in April that Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced Bobrisky for Naira abuse. The judge, who sentenced the cross-dresser without an option of fine, said his sentence would serve as a lesson for others abusing the Naira. His jail term began on 24 March, coinciding with the day of his arrest. https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-bobrisky-regains-freedom-after-six-months-in-prison/
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The Supreme Court has held that it is illegal for Governors to dissolve democratically elected Local Governments.https://thenationonlineng.net/just-in-supreme-court-bars-fg-from-paying-allocations-to-lgs-with-unelected-officials/
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BREAKING: Supreme Court rules LG allocations should be paid directly from Federation Account The Supreme Court has held that henceforth, the Federal Government should pay any money standing to the credit of the Local Governments in the Federation directly to the Local Government Areas managed by democratically elected officials. In a lead judgment by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court has also held that it is unconstitutional for State Governments to retain and use allocation meant for the LGAs on their behalf without transferring same to them as provided in Section 162(3) of the Constitution. The Supreme Court made these pronouncements in its ongoing judgment in the suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) seeking full autonomy for the LGAs. Details shortly... https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-supreme-court-rules-lg-allocations-should-be-paid-directly-from-federation-account/
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President Bola Tinubu has awarded the Super Eagles of Nigeria and members of Team Nigeria with the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) national honour for their exceptional performance at the recently concluded AFCON 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast. Also, they were each presented with a flat and a plot of land in the FCT. This announcement was made by Dada Olusegun, the special assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, in a post on his official X page. He wrote: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presents the @NGSuperEagles and team Nigeria with their MON award, 1 flat in Nigeria and a plot of Land in the Federal Capital Territory as a sign of gratitude for their service.” Details shortly... https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-tinubu-honours-super-eagles-with-mon-award/
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it is considering conducting bye-elections and rerun elections across the country on Thursday, February 1, 2024, to fill existing vacancies in the state and federal legislature.https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-bye-elections-rerun-elections-may-hold-feb-1-inec/
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The disinformation team of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has published a report on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's certificate. The authors of the report titled: 'Bola Tinubu diploma: No evidence Nigeria's president forged college record' concluded that President Tinubu did not forge his certificate. Allegations that President Tinubu's certificates were falsified spread like wildfire on social media following the publication of the president's academic records by Chicago State University (CSU). The revelation of the President's academic credentials is the climax of a legal lawsuit initiated in August by Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), one of his key opponents in the February presidential election. The BBC made its conclusion after contacting CSU with questions about its diplomas In response to the questions CSU said: "We are confident and always have been in the veracity and integrity of our records regarding Tinubu's attendance and completion of graduation requirements". https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-no-evidence-tinubu-forged-csu-certificate-says-bbc/
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A ministerial nominee, Abass Lawal Balarabe has slumped while standing at the podium inside the Senate. Balarabe slumped after his introductory remarks. Senate President Godswill Akpabio immediately called for a doctor to attend to him. He also immediately directed that the Senate resolves into an executive session He told television cameras the session to immediately stop recording. Details shortly… https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-ministerial-nominee-balarabe-slumps-at-senate/
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The military in the early hours of Wednesday announced the takeover of the government in Gabon. This is coming after the July 26 coup d'état in Niger Republic when the country's presidential guard detained president Mohamed Bazoum and presidential guard commander general Abdourahamane Tchiani proclaimed himself the leader of a new military junta, shortly after confirming the coup a success. The Nation reports that a group of senior Gabonese soldiers on Wednesday appeared on national television and said they had taken power, minutes after the state election body announced President Ali Bongo had won a third term. The senior officers said they represented all security and defence forces in the Central African nation. Here are things to know about the Military coup in Gabon 1. Gabon general election was held on August 26, 2023. 2. Incumbent President Ali Bongo Ondimba ran for re-election. 3. The Gabonese Democratic Party, of which Bongo is a member, has ruled the country continuously since independence from France in 1960, including 41 years under Bongo's father, Omar. 4. Allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities immediately emerged from opposition parties and independent observers, casting a shadow of doubt over the legitimacy of the election results 5. Bongo was declared the winner on 29 August. 6. Albert Ondo Ossa, who came second in the elections, alleged electoral irregularities. 7. Ondo Ossa, just two hours before the polls closed, denounced "fraud orchestrated by the Bongo camp." 8. He had already claimed victory and urged Bongo to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power based on his own purported vote count. 9. The election result was annulled following the coup d'état. 10. The military-led coup ousted the re-elected president, Ali Bongo Ondimba. 11. Following the announcement of the coup, celebrations broke out in the streets of Libreville. 12. The coup occurred just minutes after Bongo's re-election was declared at 3:30 AM WAT by the Gabonese electoral commission with 64.27% of the vote. 13. There has been no comment from the government of Gabon, which is a member of the oil producer group OPEC. 14. No reports on the whereabouts of Bongo, who was last seen in public casting his vote in the vote on Saturday. 15. The coup is the eighth in West and Central Africa since 2020. 16. The latest one, in Niger, was in July. 17. Military officers have also seized power in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Chad. 18. Bongo's family has ruled the oil producing but poor nation for 56 years. 19. His detractors say he has done little to channel its oil and other wealth towards the population of some 2.3 million people, a third of whom live in poverty. 20. In a speech delivered on the country's Independence Day on 17 August, Bongo, a close ally of France, insisted that he would not allow Gabon to be subjected to "destabilization", referring to the other coups. https://thenationonlineng.net/20-things-to-know-about-gabons-military-coup/
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By Samuel Oamen The Senior Pastor of Fountain of Life Church Pastor Taiwo Odukoya is dead. The official Facebook page of the church confirmed his demise. He was said to have died on Monday August 7 at the United States of America (USA). The church said: "The church said: "The fountain of Life Church Family, in total submission to the will of God Almighty announces the passing unto greater glory of our Father, Teacher, a great servant of the Most High God, Pastor Daniel Taiwo Odukoya, Founding Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, who passed unto glory on the 7th of August 2023 in the USA. "We are in total submission to you LORD!!! "We thank the Lord for the gift of greater leader!!!" Details shortly... https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-fountain-of-life-founder-pastor-odukoya-dies/
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Former Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah, her ex-aide, Gloria Odita and seven others are being arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja over fraud related offences.https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-stella-oduah-ex-aide-others-arraigned-over-alleged-n5b-fraud/
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The Senate on Tuesday approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to appoint 20 Special Advisers. Tinubu’s letter of request was read at plenary by Senate President Ahmad Lawan. After the letter was read, Senate Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir (APC - Sokoto East) moved that “the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-in-C for the approval of the Senate to appoint 20 Special Advisers.” The motion was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Philip Aduda. The Senate however granted accelerated consideration of the request and promptly approved it. https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-senate-okays-appointment-of-20-special-advisers-by-tinubu/
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Senate to grant his request to appoint 20 Special Advisers. Tinubu’s letter of request was read at plenary by Senate President Ahmad Lawan. After the letter was read, Senate Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir (APC - Sokoto East) moved that “the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-in-C for the approval of the Senate to appoint 20 Special Advisers.” The motion was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Philip Aduda. Details Shortly… https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-tinubu-seeks-senates-approval-to-appoint-20-special-advisers/
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The owner of Hilton Hotel Dr Rahmon Adedoyin and two staff have been sentenced to death by hanging over the murder of Master student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, Timothy Adegoke. The court presided over by Chief judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Ojo, found Adedoyin and three of his staff guilty of murder and conspiracy. Ojo held that circumstantial evidence confimed Adedoyin and his staff killed Adegoke and tried to conceal the situation. Details Shortly… https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-court-condemns-adedoyin-two-staff-to-death-by-hanging/
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President Bola Tinubu on Monday announced fuel subsidy was gone because there is no budgetary allocation for it after June. What is fuel subsidy? Fuel subsidies are a form of government intervention to reduce the cost of fuel by providing direct financial support to oil companies, and as such, subsidise the product to consumers (Nigerians). Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest producers of crude oil, and it relies heavily on this resource for its economic growth. The 2023 budget proposed N2.557trn supplementary budget for fuel subsidy. Here are five benefits of fuel subsidy removal: 1. Fuel subsidy removal, according to experts, would free up resources for other sectors of the economy. 2. The government spends a significant portion of its budget on fuel subsidies, which could be better spent on education, healthcare, infrastructure development, amongst other key sectors. 3. Establishments of domestic refineries to produce more petroleum products, reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel. 4. Availability of domestic refineries will boost the country’s economy 5. Massive creation of jobs for Nigerians. https://thenationonlineng.net/five-benefits-of-fuel-subsidy-removal/
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By Samuel Oamen South East Governors have agreed to name the Second Niger Bridge after President Muhammadu Buhari. The Special Assistant to the President on Digital Communications, Bashir Ahmad, announced this on Tuesday. He said the second Niger bridge will now be called Buhari Bridge. Ahmad tweeted: “The Second Niger Bridge is to officially be called/known as MUHAMMADU BUHARI SECOND NIGER BRIDGE. “The MUHAMMADU BUHARI BRIDGE is officially commissioned today, by President Muhammadu Buhari. #PMBLegacy.” Seconding the announcement, Special Assistant to Buhari on Digital/New media, Tolu Ogunlesi tweeted: “Following consultations, the Governors of the South-East have agreed that the Second Niger Bridge shall be named the MUHAMMADU BUHARI SECOND NIGER BRIDGE.” Details shortly… https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-south-east-govs-name-second-niger-bridge-after-buhari/
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Samuel Oamen The factional National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) Lamidi Apapa on Friday sat at the back of the court during the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. The Nation reports that Apapa was booed and mobbed by angry mob at the venue of the PEPC on Wednesday. Apapa told reporters that he was in court that Wednesday to assert himself as the Acting National Chairman of the party. On how he was mobbed, Apapa, said: “They pounced on me, removed my cap and I am very sure that if not that you people (journalists) were there, I would have been dead by now.” He alleged Obi was aware he would be attacked, stating that members of the presidential campaign group of the party in a meeting on Tuesday to broker peace among the warring factions, vowed to deal with him should he attend the court session. Apapa in an interview after the incident said he refused to be intimidated by the mob action and vowed to be present in court today. Keeping to his words, the factional chairman arrived incourt room and decided to sit at the back of the courtroom, not in the area reserved for Labour Party officials. https://thenationonlineng.net/just-in-apapa-takes-back-seat-in-court/
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A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday resumed proceedings in the trial of suspended DCP Abba Kyari and three others behind closed doors. Justice Emeka Nwite ordered journalists, lawyers in other cases and other litigants who were present to exit the courtroom before the commencement of proceedings. Before now, the proceedings were conducted without any restrictions on the category of people to be present. Justice Nwite issued the order upon f an application by the lead prosecuting lawyer, Sunday Joseph, who is of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). In his application, Joseph urged the court to protect the identity of his next set of witnesses listed to give evidence in the trial. He requested that lawyers in other cases, litigants, visitors, including journalists, who were in the court should be excluded from witnessing the proceedings. After granting Joseph's application, Justice Nwite stood the matter down to allow non-actors in the case to vacate the courtroom. On why he made the application, Joseph told journalists that it was to protect the witnesses, who are intelligent officers. He added that “there is a doctrine of state privilege in the interest of national security.” Joseph He said it was noted that members of the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) who were loyal to Abba Kyari, were still coming to court “And, you don’t know who is who; so, it is for the witness’ protection. We are now going into the nitty gritty of the matter and there have been allegations that we are just witch-hunting them,” he said. The lead prosecuting lawyer said though the prosecution had been calling witnesses before now, the need to protect the current set of witnesses was because their identities could not be exposed to the public. Although some lawyers, who had cases in the court protested the court's decision, Justice Nwite appealed for their understanding. The judge assured them that their cases will also be heard later, adding, "you can hang around. We are not going to take the matter through out the whole day. Please bear with." The trial is ongoing. Details shortly... https://thenationonlineng.net/just-in-court-holds-abba-kyaris-trial-behind-closed-doors/
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An Inspector of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abel Isah Dickson, has died after a scuffle with two colleagues over items collected from a suspect. The items include medications and some cash. The two colleagues, Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, Apata Oluwaseun Odunayo and Inspector of EFCC, Ogbuji Titu Tochukwu, have also been arraigned in a court in Sokoto for culpable homicide. But the Chairman of the commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, said he will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the erring officers are brought to justice. The Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, who confirmed the incident in a briefing in Abuja, said the affected officers have also been suspended. He said: "We have invited you this morning to brief you about an unfortunate incident that happened at our Sokoto Zonal Command, which is suspected to have led to the death of one of our young officers, Inspector of the EFCC, Abel Isah Dickson. " The officer passed away on May 7, 2023, at the Usmanu DanFodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto where he was receiving treatment for injuries he sustained, two days earlier, in a scuffle with two other staff: Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, Apata Oluwaseun Odunayo and Inspector of EFCC, Ogbuji Titu Tochukwu. "They had disagreed over procedures for the custody of items belonging to a suspect in detention, leading to a fight, a conduct which the commission frowns at. " The two officers with whom he had a disagreement have been suspended by the commission and handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and possible prosecution. " The latest information, is that a two-count holding charge bordering on criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide has been filed against them at a Chief Magistrate Court, Gwiwa in Sokoto. " Both offences are punishable under Sections 60 and 191 of the Sokoto State Penal Code Law, 2019. " Without prejudice to the Police investigation, they will in addition, face further disciplinary measures in line with the Commission’s staff regulation." Uwujaren said the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa has vowed not to tolerate any act of indiscipline. "The Executive Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa is saddened by the incident, and has extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. " He has, in addition, assured that the commission will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those implicated in the death of the officer are brought to justice. " He equally warned staff of the commission to ensure that their conduct at all times is moderated by the established code of behaviour as no act of indiscipline would be tolerated. " Meanwhile, the remains of the late officer were interred on Saturday May 13, 2023 in Jos, Plateau State." Asked if the scuffle was about a suspect's loot, Uwujaren, added: "The items were medications and some monies deposited in the suspect's locker. It has nothing to do with any loot." https://thenationonlineng.net/efcc-operative-dies-after-scuffle-with-colleagues-over-suspects-items/
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The United States on Monday announced that it has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, in a statement, said the move was not targeted at Nigerians or the government. The Secretary of State however did not name the affected individuals. "The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. Today, I am announcing that we have taken steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle. "These actions are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria as a whole," he said. The decision, Blinken added, is in compliance with Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. These individuals "will be subject to restrictions on visas to the United States under a policy covering those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy". These individuals, he said, were involved in intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results and others. "The decision to take steps to impose visa restrictions reflects the continued commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to strengthen democracy and the rule of law," he said. https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-us-imposes-visa-restrictions-on-individuals-who-undermined-2023-polls/
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The Supreme Court has scheduled judgment for 2pm on Tuesday in the appeal filed by former Osun Governor, Gboyega Oyetola against the election of Ademola Adeleke.https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-supreme-court-rules-on-osun-gov-dispute-tuesday/
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